Red Mug

Descending the gray marble steps into Red Mug Coffee House in Superior’s historic City Hall, one is immediately struck by the cool vibe and near-intoxicating aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Starbucks and Caribou have nothing on this place. Great pottery. Great employees. The Red Mug is the Amazing Grace of Superior. “We’re really thankful for being chosen Best of Northland,” said owner Suzanne Johnson. “It feels great, because we try really hard.” But it’s not just the coffee or the baked goods or the soups, salads and sandwiches. It’s the atmosphere. One can half imagine Jack Kerouac or Allen Ginsberg chain smoking while scratching their stream of consciousness musing on a single scroll. Oh yeah, there’s something wrong with this picture. No Smoking!

Runner Up: Duluth Coffee